Requirements to be issued a Los Angeles County Marriage License by :
1. You must appear in person at a county office. You cannot get a license over the phone or over the internet. You must be 18 years of age or older -- those under 18 must apply for a license directly from the County Clerk's office in Norwalk - you must have parental permission.
2. You must have a state or fed govt issued identification card OR a driver's license from any state (must be valid, i.e., not expired) OR a valid, NOT expired, passport. A military ID is also acceptable identification. A birth certificate ONLY is not a valid identification. A Mexican Consular card is acceptable
3. If you have been divorced in the last two (2) years, you must bring along a copy of your divorce decree.
4. If you have been widowed in the last two (2) years, you must bring along a copy of the death certificate of your spouse.
5. A blood test in California is NOT REQUIRED.
6. There is NO waiting period. The ceremony can take place the day you obtain your marriage license.
7. You will need to know your mother's maiden name and the State (Country if not USA)of birth of both your parents.
8. Please note that California is a "ceremonial" state -- and you will need a ceremony to be officially married. The ceremony can be as short as saying "I do" with a third person to sign your license affirming that you did indeed declare you wanted to be married to this person. This means that just getting a marriage license does not mean you are married. A third party must sign the bottom of the marriage license for it to be solemized.
9. California law does not allow any county to issue a marriage license to two persons of the same sex.
10. You must take an oath that all information on the license is true.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Marriage over the phone & in Jail are NOT legal in California. You both must appear in person before the person issuing the license and the person performing the ceremony. Of course, marriages over the internet are not possible either.
If you encounter a Notary who issues marriage licenses who claims to be able to arrange this, you are being scammed for your money. Marrying incarcerated persons over the phone is not valid. If you do this, your "marriage" will NOT be legal and could be challenged in court.
That's all there is to it -- just call my office for an appointment -
